Abstract:
This study tested a model which predicted the relationship between
underemployment and depressive affect as moderated by coping styles. A randomly
selected community sample of 574 young adults completed a self-report employment
status measure, the Underemployment Scale, the Center for Epidemiological Study
Depression Scale, and the Coping^Stralegy Indicator. The interaction model was
supported for men only. Results indicated that significant interactions between Perceived
Job Requirements Underemployment by avoidance copings and Subjective
Underemployment by avoidance coping predicted depressive affect for men. Further, the
same results were found even after controlling for prior depressive affect. UsingJhe^ selfreport
employment status measure revealed significant group differences between
unemployed and underemployed men. Underemployed men who utilized more support
seeking coping strategies reported higher depressive affect than unemployed men. The
interaction model was not supported for women even though women have consistently
reported higher depressive affect rates. These results have implications for
underemployment and depressive affect research and practical implications for assisting
men who feel subjectively underemployed and need to find an appropriate strategy to cope
with the situation.
